There are few experiences that are quite as humbling as sitting under the stars and gazing out into space. The more we learn about how incredibly vast the universe truly is, the more we realise how small we are, and its why so many people venture out every year to find areas that offer the best views of the universe around us.
Due to light pollution, space debris, as well as the growing number of satellites orbiting the earth, it’s becoming more and more difficult to see the true night sky, even from areas that aren’t in the city. Thankfully, there are still some places in the world where it’s possible to witness the majesty of the universe in all its glory.
Kruger National Park
The famous national park in the country of South Africa is generally more well-known for its diverse range of wildlife, but the fauna and flora are not the only things worth seeing while visiting the park. Due to its large size and general lack of light pollution, it’s an excellent place to see much of our surrounding galaxy. For those that want to see the rings of Saturn as clearly as possible, there are few better places in the world to do so than the Kruger National Park.
Natural Bridges National Monument
Located in the remote region of Lake Powell in the state of Utah, this was the very first place that was certified by the International Dark-Sky Association. The certification was given due to the fact that the Natural Bridges National Monument is one of the few areas across the globe where the night sky is incredibly clear. Not only is it about having a clear sky, but also a nod to the many people that have worked hard to ensure that there is no light pollution in the area.
Mauna Kea
The islands of Hawaii have become some of the best places in the world for lovers of astronomy, and the Mauna Kea summit on Big Island is arguably the best in the region.
Mauna Kea Observatory is the largest of its kind in the world and has become a global hub for astronomers from every walk of life, and is home to thirteen of the most powerful and largest telescopes of all time. It’s also one of the few places on earth where it’s possible to drive from the coast and up to the top of a mountain peak in under two hours, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Hawaii, and maybe to use some astrological luck to win Super Bowl betting.
The Atacama Desert
The Atacama is the one of the driest places on the planet, and very few people live in the region. What that means is that light pollution is non-existent, making it perhaps the very best place to see the universe. Visitors to the region will be rewarded with a crystal-clear view of some of the most well-known constellations in the Southern Hemisphere, along with several other famous celestial bodies.